There is a legend that before the first shot was fired in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, the British commanders ordered their regiments to let the approaching Zulu impis finish the song they were singing before war broke out in earnest.

From the 1830’s African slaves and their supporters developed a secret network called the Underground Railroad. Songs such as “Steal Away” coded messages that were unable to be openly transmitted. “Jesus” and “home” symbolized the yearned for freedom in the North and the words “I ain’t got long to stay here” meant that flight northward was imminent.

Songs from the civil rights movement mobilised social change. For example “We Shall Overcome” evolved from carrying a message of hope to conveying cultural political expression when the black Food and Tobacco Workers Union adopted the song in the 1930s and 40s.

Studies confirm that singing in groups facilitates feelings of liberation where participants literally find voice. Research demonstrates the physiological benefits which impact physical, mental and social well being. The chair of music education at University of London after more than 30 years of studying music and singing states that choral singing is a richer acoustic experience than singing alone.

Practical vocal techniques and methods can unlock anxiety and tension improving individual expression and communication.

British researchers at the University of Manchester discovered that the sacculus, an organ in the inner ear, responds to frequencies commonly found in music connected to a part of the brain responsible for registering pleasure.

This research concludes that singing heightens breathing and body awareness, tones abdominal muscles, can bolster the immune system, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles and improves cardiac output.

Community singing bonds people in a sense of social unity and purpose, which is believed to have provided the impetus for Switzerland’s modern structure as a democratic state. Community choirs contribute to social capital, building connections crucial to schools, neighbourhoods and government working well and responsibly.

Singing is a life changing experience. Come and find your voice at the Oberon Showground Hall, Monday, November 30 at 7pm. Contact Elizabeth on 0428 632 564